Effects of PM_2.5 on HMGB1, TNF-α and IL-6 Expression in Wistar Rats Lung

Objectives To investigate the effects of PM_2.5 on the expression of HMGB1, TNF-a and IL-6 in the lung of Wistar rats to provide an objective basis for effective prevention and treatment of lung injury caused by PM_2.5 in haze.

Methods The atmospheric PM_2.5 in Wuhan industrial zone was collected by a portable PM_2.5 sampler. PM_2.5 suspensions were prepared by saline. Forty healthy male SPF Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups:a control group, a saline instillation group and three PM_2.5 exposure groups treated by tracheal instillation of low, medium and high levels of PM_2.5 suspensions (1, 3 and 10mg/mL respectively). The expression of HMGB1, TNF-α and IL-6 in the lung of Wistar rats were observed and analyzed.

Results Compared with the control group and saline instillation group, the expression of HMGB1, TNF-and IL-6 in PM_2.5 exposure groups was higher (P < 0.01). In the LST-t experiment, the expression of HMGB1 and TNF-α between the low and medium PM_2.5 exposure group were not significantly different (P < 0.05), whereas they were lower than the high PM_2.5 exposure group (P < 0.05). The expression of IL-6 in the low PM_2.5 exposure group was significant lower than the high and medium PM_2.5 exposure group (P < 0.05), but no statistically significant difference between the high and medium PM_2.5 exposure group (P < 0.05).

Conclusions With increasn of PM_2.5 in suspension, the expression of HMGB1, TNF-α and IL-6 in the lung of rats were signif icantly increased. The expression of HMGB1, TNF-α and IL-6 in lung tissue might be used as biological indicators for lung damage caused by PM_2.5.